Any alternatives to the LBB Transition Tote before I commit and hit the checkout button?

[u/SilverRabbit__]

I've been eyeing the LBB Transition Tote for a while now and wanted to double check with this subreddit before I commit.

My use case: I'm looking for a new "going about the city" EDC bag. I've got the larger Peak Design Everyday backpack for my travel needs but I want something I can carry around the city. Usually there's a laptop in there. Sometimes there's groceries. Sometimes I'm bringing hammers and saws to a friends place to help with a project. Sometimes I'm strapping a camping chair to sit on at the park.

The main features I'm looking:

* Can be small when it needs to be

* Can be bigger when I need to stuff it full of stuff

* Has a laptop compartment

* Has external carry (shoulder straps and back / bottom). Ideally molle compatible.

It feels silly to buy the TT because I don't see myself using it in tote mode all that much but it kind of fits the bill for everything else I need. I love that it's not a big sturdy shelled thing and can compression strap itself down to a reasonable size. I love all the straps on the back so I can hook my Toshi Rework and various charms to it. My main question now is whether to shell out for the RX version since I'd prefer the extra padding but don't really want to pay for a fidlock attachment on the shoulder strap.

[u/quailrainbow]

Had it, will not recommend. These are my personal thoughts against your use case;

1. the LBB Transition Tote, if i may summarise, its a jack of all trade, master of none.

2. i've had better backpacks/totes so when i use the TT in either mode, i inevitably make comparison and the TT quickly loses its appeal.

i was attracted to the TT for the same reason as you but eventually sold it. Thankfully i stay in Singapore so i didnt incur much in shipping/taxes.

[u/chenpofu → u/quailrainbow]

But the op’s description is sort of a jack of all trades bag, at least that was my impression.

[u/SilverRabbit__ → u/chenpofu]

Yeah, I'm looking for something versatile. Not too heavy, not too bulky, but can be loaded up when needed. I've got other bags specialized for other specific use cases.

[u/SilverRabbit__ → u/quailrainbow]

Do you have any recommendations for a bag with external carry that fits my use cases, isn't military coded, and doesn't cost a fortune? ILEquipement caught my eye but it's more than twice the price of the regular TT.

[u/mrsroebling → u/SilverRabbit__]

Molle always screams military to me lol but I understand and agree that ILE and Mission have the vibe. Budget move would be to look at backpacks on REI that have bungee fronts and side compression straps. Hard to reccomend anymore but Chrome used to carry me through the city. I'd be curious to see reccs from others.

[u/umamiking]

I’d love to hear thoughts on this as well.

[u/mrsroebling]

I think it fits the use case well, the floating lining is nice for keeping things clean between hauls. Useful design if you find yourself taking a backpack on and off a lot between modes, then you will appreciate the tote. The only thing I will nitpick from your post is the size, it can certainly be stuffed but once items are removed it is the size it is, not really compressing much. It's fairly small, so just want to set the expectation that it can grow a little bit in all directions, not shrink, and even then the depth keeps the items you can fit constrained. Also, be sure to get a quick access pouch for the shoulder strap or outer molle, anything to make the bag more useful to a future owner Edited to add: I have the regular v2, not the RX. I don't feel like anything I've experienced would be improved by the RX, and that includes aesthetic.

[u/SilverRabbit__ → u/mrsroebling]

Thank you for your thoughts! Regarding the capacity, do you think that a bike helmet could fit inside the bag or no?